PSTN Phone Line Troubleshooting - Dead Line

The most common cause of issues on PSTN lines is local cabling, either coming from the socket or within the building.

Note on Scope of Liability for PSTN Faults

Please note that internal wiring within the building is the customers responsibility. Telstra's responsibility for the lines starts at the street level only.

For this reason, it is critical that internal wiring be checked and tested before a fault is escalated for Exchange and street-level investigation. In the event that a fault is escalated and the cause is found to be within the customers premises (including wiring within the building) the technician may be unable to resolve the problem and a call out charge will apply.

Troubleshooting steps:

Confirm that a dial tone is present and an outbound call can be made. If a dialtone is present, then the issue is not related to this article.

Perform an isolation test by disconnecting all other devices, such as extra phones, faxes, extension cords, modems, security systems and cabling, double adaptors and Foxtel Digital units on the phone line.

If there is a back to base burglar alarm there is a requirement that this be isolated by a central filter to be placed before the back to base alarm which must be on the end user side of the filter. This filter device must be isolated and a direct connection to the phone line obtained for troubleshooting.

Confirm there are no issues with the local equipment such as the phone or modem in use. Test using a standard Telstra-branded analogue phone.

Confirm the end user premises wiring is cabled to specification (including inline and central filters)

Ensure extension cables and third party double adapters are removed and the phone or modem is plugged in directly (without a filter) into the first socket

Ensure that the end user is using a phone or modem approved by Telstra for interfacing with the Telstra phone or DSL network (“Approved Device”).

Disconnect the phone or modem for a minimum of 30 seconds and test again

Escalation:

If the above troubleshooting steps have been performed and you are confident that the issue is outside of the premises, please send an e-mail to support@neural.com.au requesting escalation of the fault. Please be sure to include the following details: